Queenslanders develop love for Prancing Horse

QUEENSLANDERS love their maroon, but it also seems there is a penchant for Ferrari red.

Today the Sunshine State welcomes the all-new Ferrari 488 GTB supercar at the latest 550sq m state-of-the-art showroom in the heart of Brisbane.

Local interest in the Prancing Horse is surging, reflecting national VFACTS figures which have seen more than 100 Ferraris sold this year compared to 62 at the same time last year.

The Brisbane dealership leads the way in terms of client orders per capita of population. Forty years from the launch of Ferrari's iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308, the Ferrari 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars.

The car has established a pre-launch record of sales for Ferrari in Australia.

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Under the bonnet is a "small" capacity V8, but with two gigantic turbos, it still lives up to the sports car maker's philosophy despite the green credentials. It can still reach 0-100kmh in three seconds.

"This new showroom will not only be the landmark of the area, but also an important pillar in the Ferrari dealer network globally," Ferrari Australia CEO Herbert Appleroth said.

"The significant investment made by Ferrari Brisbane proves the strength and confidence of our partner in the Ferrari brand and the future. We have already noted that 50% of our Queensland clients are new to the Ferrari brand and we are excited to see that level of growth in one of the most dynamic cities in Australia."

Sitting alongside the new 488 GTB tonight will be a California T, F12 and FF, as well as a selection of classic Ferraris, including an F40 and Ferrari Dino, and an F1 replica.

Ferrari clients will be able to create their dream car, selecting every last detail from their choice of chair fabric to wheels, paint colour and steering wheel. Ferrari says the showroom will provide "new ways for customers to interact and experience the very latest Ferrari product".

Since LMM Holdings Pty Ltd bought the Ferrari franchise in October 2014, the marque has experienced record sales in Queensland.

"We are proud to be the sole official representative of Ferrari in Queensland and excited to unveil both the all new Ferrari Brisbane showroom and the incredible 488 GTB to our clients," said Martin Roller, Ferrari Brisbane managing director.

"This is a world class automotive facility with additions such as the Ferrari Atelier which will allow us to provide our customers with an exceptional level of service and the ability to welcome prospective buyers with the most up to date technology and equipment available. Given the overwhelming public response to the 488 GTB before the first car is delivered late in 2015, the timing of our official showroom opening to coincide with the Queensland premiere of this incredible car could not be more fitting."

New Ferrari 488 GTB at the new Ferrari Brisbane dealership the day of its grand opening. Photo: Iain Curry / Sunshine Coast DailyIain Curry